MyMediktor - Toxic shock syndrome

Medium urgency

CommonModerately severe

Severe infectious disease caused by a toxin released by bacteria from the Staphylococcaceae family.

The toxin reaches the body through tampons used for menstruation, skin infections, burns and surgical wounds.

It manifests as reddened skin lesions spread all over the skin (diffuse macular erythroderma) and high fever.

It is diagnosed through clinical questioning, a physical examination and the detection of the bacterium in a blood culture.

Treatment is based on antibiotics and maintenance of the vital signs with serotherapy, oxygen and antipyretics.

Bibliographic references

J. García San Miguel, J.M. Miró. Enfermedades producidas por estafilococos. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. 2203:2210.
Spaulding AR, Salgado-Pabón W, Kohler PL, et al. Staphylococcal and streptococcal superantigen exotoxins. Clin Microbiol Rev 2013; 26:422.
Davis JP, Chesney PJ, Wand PJ, LaVenture M. Toxic-shock syndrome: epidemiologic features, recurrence, risk factors, and prevention. N Engl J Med 1980; 303:1429.
Case definitions for infectious conditions under public health surveillance. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MMWR Recomm Rep 1997; 46:1.
Vivian H Chu. Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome. UpToDate, Sep 04, 2015.
Franklin D. Lowy. Infecciones estafilocócicas. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19ª Edición. 954:963.

Author

Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol

Copyright

Symptoms

Skin rash

Fever / Feel very hot

Rash on palms and soles

Feeling generally unwell

Low blood pressure

Remove any foreign body introduced in the organism.

Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.

Maintain hydration of 2 litres per day.